The Legend of Korra – Episode 5 – The Spirit of Competition – Review

“The Spirit of Competition” is one of my favorite episodes of The Legend of Korra so far. Korra sorts out her feelings for Mako all in the backdrop of the pro-bending championship. It’s a perfect formula for a fun and entertaining episode.

My recap and review:

The Legend of Korra – Episode 5 – The Spirit of Competition

After joining the Tarrlok’s taskforce last episode, Korra finds time to practice with the Fire Ferrets for a few days before the tournament.

Korra, Bolin and Mako share an awkward pep huddle getting themselves ready. Asami, who is now dating Mako, comes in and says the team isn’t complete without their sponsorship uniforms. Asami and Mako nose rub, which makes Korra want to puke.

Bolin tries to make a move on Korra to ask her out – but she leaves to go to the Air Temple for training.

Back at their apartment, Bolin and Mako talk about Korra. Bolin wonders about Korra as a girlfriend, and Mako says “She’s great, but it makes more sense for me to go for Asami.”

Bolin then interrupts that Korra as a girlfriend for him not Mako! “Leave some ladies for the rest of us!”

Mako says that it’s not a good idea for Bolin to date Korra because she’s not girlfriend material.

The Pro-Bending Tournament

In the locker room, following Pema’s advice, Korra asks Mako out – then confesses that she likes him! “I really like you and I think we’re meant for each other!”

Mako unfortunately shuts her down: “I’m really sorry but I just don’t feel the same about you.”

Asami arrives just to make everything more awkward.

(I felt so bad for Korra! Mako is just confused, give him time… a few more episodes…)

Bolin unaware of what just happened, asks Korra out on a date. He tells her that she’s incredible. Then Korra says yes!

Bolin and Korra eat some authentic Water Tribe noodles in a restaurant. It looks like Korra is really having a good time with Bolin.

Tano and the Wolfbats are also in the restaurant. They are the reigning champs three years now in the pro-bending league. He’s an a-hole.

Tano walks over and harasses them. Bolin warns Korra not to fight him because they would get disqualified.

Korra whistles and Naga scares Tano from the window.

Korra and Bolin then enjoy the rest of their date in peace. They have a burping contest and look down at the city from Republic City’s version of the Eiffel Tower.

Later, Korra talks to Mako in front of the arena.

Mako tells Korra to lay off his little brother because he doesn’t want him to get hurt. Korra says Mako is just jealous and really has feelings for her.

“Admit it, you like me.”

“No, I’m with Asami.”

“Yeah, but when you’re with her, you’re thinking about me, aren’t you?”

“You’re crazy!”

“You’re a liar!”

(Yikes! They’re a couple already. LOL. I love it!)

The Pro-Bending Tournament

Quarterfinals: Fire Ferrets vs. The Borcupines (The Old Guys)

Bolin is carrying the load as Mako and Korra are distracted from their earlier fight. What a mess. The match ends in a tie. And a tie-breaker match is played. The Fire Ferrets win the coin toss, and they choose earth.

Bolin wins the earth-bending tie-breaker match! Yay. That was a close one.

Later, Mako approaches Korra to apologize.

“As much as you drive me crazy, I also think you’re pretty amazing.” (Be still my heart!)